The Kingdom of Nepal is sandwiched between its much larger neighbors. Nepal covers 147,181 sq.km., extending 885 km east to west and 193 km north to south and roughly rectangular in shape. It is 22 times smaller in area than India which in turn is 3 times than China. Altitude in the country ranges from near sea level to 8,8848 meters, the height of Mt. Everest, the highest summit on earth. Nepal is famous for its high Himalayan mountains, artistic monuments, exotic wildlife and diverse culture. It is also the land where Lord Buddha was born over 2500 years ago. Nepal is primarily an agricultural country. Tourism, carpets and garments are its main industries.

Nepal's topography varies widely, which is reflected in the diversity of weather throughout the Kingdom.

The weather changes according to the altitude of the land. The Terai, the lowest region of the country, is generally flat and its weather is tropical and humid. The higher hills (2700-4000 meters) are more temperate. The hills (900-2000 meters) including the Kathmandu valley are subtropical with hot summers and moderate winters. Above 4000 meters the weather is cooler, drier and more alpine like. Generally speaking, temperatures drop 6 degree c. for every 1100 meters ascended. Nepal has two seasons a year: the dry season from October to May and the wet season (monsoon) from June to September. Because Kathmandu's elevation is around 1300 meters in summer its maximum temperature is around 30 degree c. to 3 degree c. It never snow in Kathmandu but some of the surrounding hills get snow on their peaks during winter. Pokhara is warmer and more pleasant than Kathmandu during winter, but hotter and humid during wet season. Nepali is the national or official language of Nepal.

This geo-political situation has necessitated Nepalese people to maintain their livelihood by sheer repetitive hard work, diligence, dignity and self-respect for physical work. The British has recognized these unique traits of Nepalese (known as Gurkha) and therefore had been using Gurkhas as their most trusted soldiers for nearly two hundred years.

Nepal is situated at the foothills of the Himalayas, where the great Mountains like Mt. Everest the highest mountain of the world lies in eastern side of the country. Our neighboring countries are China, India, Bhutan and Bangladesh. Nepal is the land of the Lord Buddha, where peace and tranquility is as natural as the ice in the Himalayas.

The Nepalese people are well known for their bravery, loyalty, peace keeping and well disciplined etiquette and nature. Nepal is a country rich in culture, historic and artistic heritage. Nepal is also rich in lush green vegetation, thick rain forest and its wonderful art land space. The overwhelmingly beautiful scenery have attracted flocks of tourists from all over the world.

So, never miss an opportunity to visit this beautiful Himalayan Kingdom of the world fondly described as the Switzerland of Asia.